1.4303 (X4CrNi18-12) Material Data Sheet

1.4303 - X4CrNi18-12 is a low decarburrized, austenitic stainless steel in many applications. There is the advantage in high-alloyed nickel content to increased resistance to corrosion compared with 1.4301 or 1.4306.

The field of application contains chemical industry, mechanical engineering, electronic equipment, food and beverage industry and automotive industry. In addition, this stainless material is often selected for bolts, studs, and nuts (turbine industry). 

Weldability:
The material 1.4303 X4CrNi18-12 is good suitable for welding constructions. An interpass temperature of 150°C should not be exceeded and a post weld heat treating (PWTH) is not necessary. It´s possible to get tempering colours that results from the heat of welding, which is removeable by grinding to restore the corrosion resistance.

Mechanical Properties:

Special properties

• Usable up to 600°C

• Excellent cold formability

Typical physical properties of 1.4303, annealed condition

Heat treatment (annealing)

Material 1.4303 must be annealed at 1010°C (1850°F) – 1121°C (2050°F) held for minimum 1 hour per 25 mm (1 inch) of thickness and water quenched subsequently. Prolonged exposure between 430°C (800°F) – 650°C (1200°F) must be avoided to prevent embrittlement and loss of corrosion properties. This austenitic grade does not harden by heat treatment.

Forging

1.4303 is usually slowly heated to within the temperature range 1150°C - 1200°C to allow forging which takes place at temperatures between 1200°C and 900°C. Forging is followed by air cooling, or water quenching when no danger of distortion exists.

Machining

Due to of increased Ni-content and the less Carbon content is the austenitic structure more stable. That´s why there is a lower tendency to work harden when machined. In case of machining 1.4303, the following cutting parameters can be used only as a range for cutting speed of 140 to 260 m/min in dependence of the depth of cut and feed rate (0,5 bis 0,2 mm per turn). The material 1.4303 isn´t suitable for use in automated machining.
 

Processing properties

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The machining by our saws is a mechanical step of processing of this material products, which results in a significantly lower unintended deformation and increased hardness for the existing  structure, such as the thermal cutting. This approach allows finishing of the workpiece by milling or drilling, immediately. So it isn´t necessary to anneal the material or make any similar operation beforehand.